Kruger National Park tightens on its border control

Many travelers choose the Kruger National Park (KNP) as entry or exit when traveling to or from neighboring countries such as  Mozambique. But driving through the Kruger won’t be as easy as in the past.

Always keep proof of booking

From 1 December this year, travelers will be required to produce a valid overnight booking in either Kruger or Limpopo National Park.

The restrictions will apply at all entrance gates in the KNP leading to the two border gates i.e. Pafuri and Giriyondo which are both found in the Nxanatseni (northern) region of the park.

Control measure needed

According to public relations head William Mabasa, the intention of some travelers had a negative impact on the park visitors. “We had to introduce these control measure on those routes in order to eliminate the undesired tendencies such as heavy laden, un-roadworthy vehicles, speeding, road kills etc; all these which were against the National Road Safety Act and spoiling the experience for our park visitors.”

To allow visitors who have already planned their holiday schedule but have not secured accommodation booking yet, an additional fee of R150 per person will be charged to allow one to travel via the Park. It is still required, however, that you provide valid proof that no accommodation is available in either of the two National Parks and possess the required travel documents. This option will only be available for a period of six months; effectively from December 1, 2011.

Travelers should note that without a confirmed booking and confirmation that all facilities are fully booked, they will be refused admission and they would need to use other routes outside the Park leading to their destination.

Only for the tourists

Mabasa added that the Pafuri and Giriyondo border gates make it possible for travelers to travel between the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Parks without having to exit the parks.

“The routes for the border gates are classified as tourists roads and do not allow for commercial traffic, therefore, the idea is to encourage people to travel from one national park to another.”

So, be sure to keep all the transaction details of your next booking in the Kruger and Limpopo national park close at hand when traveling in that part of the country. Kruger National Park Accommodation can easily be organized with a travel agency.

Source: SANParks